How can I get my toddler to walk more?

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Try to see things from your toddler's perspective. She may like being held by you because it's comforting. At this age your toddler is still very dependent on you.

There may be other reasons why your toddler demands to be carried everywhere. When you lift your toddler, her view expands from legs and wheels to the world as you see it. When she's in your arms she can see your face and hear what you are saying more easily.

If putting her down results in a temper tantrum, work on ways to make walking just as enjoyable for her as being carried. Bend down often to make eye contact with your toddler and to chat to her.

Games can also make walking more fun for your toddler. Jump over the cracks in the pavement with her. Or point out interesting things around you, such as a squirrel running up a tree.

Try not to rush when your toddler is walking with you. It may seem to take her ages to walk a short distance, but try to be patient.

You could try taking turns to start with. Tell your toddler that if she walks to the big tree then you will carry her from there to the corner. Slowly build up the distance that she walks each time you're out and about.

Making your toddler feel grown-up may make her less likely to demand to be carried. Ask her to be your helper when you're out and about. For example, you could give her an item of shopping to carry on the way home.

If she does end up in your arms, try not to tell her off. Rather, make sure that you praise her when she walks, even if she only manages a short distance. Your toddler thrives on your praise. Even if she only walks a short distance at first, tell her how well she's doing.

Last reviewed: October 2013

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Comments

My 2 years is a nitemair I pick him up from nursery and I put him in the buggy then get over the road and he wants to walk up the hill what he does fine then we get into next road he walk bit up it then stop walking I ve tried leaving him there walking off watching him no still stay still I try get him up he won't stand I cannot put him back in the buggy as he gose mad and I mean mad screaming so iam trying put him back in with my knee holding him in he goes mad rest way home screaming soon as get home get him a drink he shuts up ive tired not taking the buggy going a different way so on I got renis no use as I Had to carry him up the road in one hand and pushchair in other he so strong and loud I ve tired sweets talking point out birds cars ect he go mad if I don't let him out of pushchair and when I do he still go mad when up that road if I go to go up different road he go mad I know people can hear him and looking its every day now I don't know what else to

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